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leuprolide - implant, Viadur

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GENERIC NAME: LEUPROLIDE - IMPLANT (LEW-pro-lide)

BRAND NAME(S): Viadur

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Leuprolide is used to treat advanced prostate cancer in men. It is not a cure. Most types of prostate cancer need the male hormone testosterone to grow and spread. Leuprolide works by reducing the amount of testosterone that the body makes. This helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and helps relieve symptoms such as painful/difficult urination.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the leuprolide implant. If you have any questions, consult your doctor.Your doctor will surgically place the medicated implant under the skin of your upper arm. The implant releases leuprolide into your blood slowly and continuously over 12 months. After 12 months, your doctor will remove the implant and replace it with a new one. Consult your doctor for details.It is very important to keep the bandage in place for several days until the surgical incision heals. Keep the incision clean and dry. Avoid bathing and swimming for 24 hours after the procedure. Also avoid any heavy lifting, bumping of the incision site, or physical activity for 48 hours after the procedure.

SIDE EFFECTS: Hot flashes (flushing), increased sweating, night sweats, tiredness, swelling of the ankles/feet, increased urination at night, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings), headache, dizziness, or irritation at the implant site (e.g., bruising, burning, pain, redness, bleeding, swelling) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Infrequently, shrinking of the testicles, breast tenderness/swelling, and reduced sexual interest/ability may also occur as a result of lowered testosterone levels. Talk to your doctor if these effects occur.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.During the first few weeks of treatment, your level of testosterone will actually increase before it decreases. This is a normal response by your body to this drug. This may sometimes result in new or worsening symptoms for a few weeks. If you have prostate cancer that has spread to the spine or caused urinary blockage, you may require closer monitoring by your doctor, especially when you first start treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects: bone pain, numbness/tingling/weakness of the arms/legs, blood in the urine, painful/difficult urination, unusual weakness, inability to move.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: new/worsening bone pain, easily broken bones.Rarely, a very serious problem with your pituitary gland (pituitary apoplexy) may occur, usually in the first 2 weeks after starting treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these very serious side effects occur: sudden severe headache, sudden severe mental/mood changes (e.g., severe confusion, difficulty concentrating), vision changes, severe vomiting, fainting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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